HUNDREDS of youngsters from across the Okehampton area enjoyed a training session with professional rugby stars when Plymouth Albion visited schools to promote involvement in sport. Children from Okehampton College watched the Division One team train at the school in the morning. A year nine PE class then enjoyed a coaching session with the players. PE teacher Kris Harris said: ?It?s a fantastic opportunity for the lads to be learning from professional rugby players. If they can pass on any of their skills, drills, tactics and knowledge it will really benefit our team.? Joined by some of the sixth form team, they split into forwards and backs to receive specialist training from Albion players. The session provided ideal preparation for the college?s under-14 team, who played their first match of the season against Sidmouth in the East Devon rugby cup the same afternoon. Okehampton lost the game 25-15 but the boys were left with a new sense of enthusiasm after Albion?s visit. ?They loved it. They just want to know when they?re coming in next,? said Mr Harris. During the afternoon the Albion squad split into smaller groups and visited primary schools across the area, carrying out coaching at Chagford, South Tawton, Okehampton, Hatherleigh, North Tawton, and Lydford ? also attended by children from Boasley Cross. Chris Perkins, who organised the outing as coordinator for the Active Albion/District of Origin community project, said: ?We are trying to go out into the community and motivate children to play rugby, and sport generally. We find it really motivates the children when the players they have seen on TV come out here.? The players also gave out free tickets to Albion games. Pictures by Ian Snell
